Heirs, 17

(POV: Renata)

My feet ache a lot. I never imagined myself shopping, and this woman spent a lot of money on me, even though I'm a total stranger to her. But I'm glad she took a liking to me. It makes it easier to do what my mom sent me to do because I won't fail!

I will bring vengeance to her and, most important, I will be her greatest pride.

I lie on my back in bed and gaze at the ceiling. It's around three in the afternoon now. I sense my stomach grumble, but I won't get up. Lina has already gone to get a snack, and I'll wait for her return. Theremanyerous shopping bags from various stores and brands at the foot of the bed, containing various types of clothes and shoes. Honestly, I don't see the need for all of this. It's a lot of stuff, but it came for free, so I won't refuse it. And if, by any chance, I did refuse, I might not get permission to stay here, as they could see it as ingratitude. I don't know much about the customs of these people.

I miss my mother so much. I've never been away from her for this long. I have the urge to drop everything and run back to her warm embrace. But I have to stay focused on my mission. I sigh irritab, and sudden, the face of that man comes to mind, making me sigh. He's tru a very handsome man, the most handsome of all I've ever met, although there haven't been many. I suspect I'll never find a man with such beauty. But I can't waste my time. I shake my head, trying to clear his virile image from my mind.

I absolute cannot lose my focus by thinking about this man who probab doesn't even remember that he once crossed paths with me. He must have thought I was only a young girl with nothing to offer. I take a deep breath as tears well up in my eyes. I can't understand how it's possible for him not to remember me. It hurts so much.

"Are you already so tired, dear?" Lina enters the room, smiling, and in her hands, she carries a tray with juice and cookies. I quick wipe the corners of my eyes.

"I've never done so much shopping in my life. Thank you so much for everything. I don't even know how to express my gratitude for all the kindness you and your family are showing me," I say. Giving her a sideways smile to hide my sudden sadness, and she places the tray in front of me.

(POV: Lina)

This smile is only like Nicollas's and my boys'. How is it possible to look so much like him? A glimmer of hope sparks in my heart. Could it be that my beloved daughter has finally returned to my arms? Maybe it's all in my head; Lena doesn't have a familiar scent, nor does she smell like a wolf. Perhaps she's only a human who had the misfortune of ending up in that forest.

No, she's not my little wolf. I would know if she were, and that resemblance I see between her and my husband is probably just in my head. Still, I have a great affection for her, so I will take care of her as I would my daughter. After all, children aren't just born from our womb; some are born from our hearts.

I watch her eat, and I involuntarily smile. She warms my heart, but I can't let myself be fooled. My real daughter is still out there in this world, and I'll never give up searching for her. Lena won't replace my Renata; she's here to add to our lives. If she decides to stay with us, she'll be more than welcome and cared for.

The only thing I hope is that that vampire, that damn creature from the depths of hell, hasn't hurt my little girl. I promise that once I find that wretched redhead, she won't leave my grasp alive. I'll tear her apart, that jealous wench! Damn you, Scarllet, for stealing from me the chance to take care of my daughter. But I know that the goddess of the moon will help me reunite with Renata and make up for all the lost time.

"Is the cookie tasty, dear?" I ask, trying to distract myself from my thoughts. For nearly sixteen years, I haven't stopped thinking about finding my daughter and, especially, seeking revenge against that vampire. I will kill her.

"They're delicious," she says with her mouth full. "I hope I can repay all this kindness someday," she adds with cookie crumbs on her lips and then takes a sip of juice.

"Don't worry," I say, sitting down next to her on the bed. "I do this from the heart. I want you to get well soon because tomorrow you can already go to the academy with the boys."

"Do you think they'll like me?" she asks nervously. "I'm human, and they're wolves."

"The classes are done with everyone in human form, so don't worry," I reassure her. "No one will hurt you, and if they dare to, just let me know. Besides, there are young people at the academy who haven't transformed yet."

"Is there a specific age to become a wolf?" she asks, seeming interested.

"Usually, the first transformation happens at the age of twelve, but some may take longer," I shrug.

"It must be frustrating to be one of those who take longer," she comments.

"For me, what's important is having the character to respect the differences and individualities of others. The time it takes doesn't matter. Transformation will come."

"Have the boys transformed already?" she asks, finishing her juice.

"No," I answer calm. "I only transformed when I was sixteen."

"Really?" She looks surprised.

"Yes, and it was very painful," I shudder only at the memory. "It felt like my skin was tearing, and my bones felt like they were being crushed."

"It must be tough."

"But it's only the first time. It doesn't hurt anymore after that," I explain.

"But from what you said, that one time is equal to ten," she laughs at her own comment.

"Indeed, you have a point."

"How did you meet your husband?"

"We met when I transformed and went out to hunt. I encountered a huge black wolf with green eyes," I pause, recalling the day I first saw Nicollas. "He tried to intimidate me, but then I fought back, and during the fight, I bit off a piece of his ear, which made him very irritated."

"No," she covers her mouth to contain her laughter. "And how did you fall in love?"

"We were born destined to love someone. The goddess of the moon chooses a mate for each wolf while they are still in their mother's womb," I explain calm. "It's a very strong bond, so there's no choice but to love your chosen one. The goddess has never been wrong."

"How exciting," she says, admiring.

"Now I have to go, Lena. Will you be okay here alone for a few hours?" I ask, concerned.

"You can relax; I'll take a nap," she says, already lying down. I smile warm at her and get up, taking the tray from the bed. I'll go to my mate's workplace to discuss how we should proceed with this girl, talk about my desire to continue helping her and keeping her in our home. I'm not sure if she'll agree.